Relieve Headaches with Essential Oils - Peppermint, Lavender, Eucalyptus

Using Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraine Relief

Headaches and migraines can be debilitating. Many people turn to medications for relief, but prescription and over-the-counter options can cause side effects. Essential oils may provide a more natural way to ease headache pain and symptoms.

Essential oils are concentrated extracts taken from the roots, leaves, flowers, or peels of plants. They contain the true essence of the plants fragrance along with various active compounds. When inhaled or applied topically, these potent oils provide therapeutic effects.

Keep reading to learn how aromatherapy and essential oils can help soothe headaches and migraines without the need for medication.

How Essential Oils Help Headaches

Essential oils are thought to alleviate headaches in a few different ways:

• Their aromas activate smell receptors in the nose that send chemical messages to your nervous system. These signals help change nerve impulses and interrupt pain pathways associated with headaches.
• When absorbed through the skin, the active compounds in essential oils interact with receptors in your body to reduce inflammation and pain.
• The oils stimulate blood circulation and relax tense muscles which can contribute to headaches.
• Essential oils also improve mood and relieve anxiety/stress which are common headache triggers.

Best Essential Oils for Headaches and Migraines

Here are some of the top essential oils for soothing headache symptoms:

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil contains menthol which provides a cooling, numbing sensation. It also improves blood flow and relaxes muscles. Studies show applying a peppermint oil and ethanol mixture significantly decreases the intensity and duration of tension headaches.

Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. Smelling lavender oil during a migraine attack reduces sensitivity to light and sound. It also increases blood circulation and provides a calming environment to rest.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that block pain pathways in the brain. Massaging diluted rosemary oil onto the temples and forehead has been shown to relieve headache pain and improve mood in people prone to chronic migraines.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil provides a cooling, invigorating sensation. When applied topically on the chest, temples, and back of the neck, it stimulates blood flow and reduces muscle tension associated with migraines and tension headaches.

Basil Oil

Sweet basil oil contains significant amounts of eugenol, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Applying diluted basil oil to the back of the neck and temples has been found to reduce headache intensity while improving mood.

Chamomile Oil

The soothing scent of chamomile oil reduces stress and anxiety. It contains chamazulene which prevents the release of inflammatory compounds linked to headaches and migraines. Diffusing chamomile oil creates a sedative environment to relieve headache symptoms.

Frankincense Oil

Frankincense has been used for thousands of years to treat headaches. It inhibits the production of inflammatory compounds and provides mind-calming effects. Combining it with peppermint and lavender oils boosts headache relief.

Marjoram Oil

Sweet marjoram oil has muscle relaxant, soothing effects. Massaging it into the shoulders, neck and temples eases tension and strain that contributes to many headaches. Its calming aroma also relieves stress.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil contains anti-nausea compounds called gingerols. Applying diluted ginger oil to the temples and back of the neck helps relieve migraine headaches. Its warming sensation improves circulation as well.

Essential Oil Application Methods

There are several techniques you can use to leverage the headache-soothing benefits of essential oils:

Topical

Dilute 4-6 drops of your chosen oil(s) in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil. Apply the mixture to your temples, forehead, back of the neck, and shoulders. The active compounds will absorb into the skin and underlying muscles to reduce pain.

Inhalation

Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water or a diffuser. Inhale the vapors for 10-15 minutes to allow the aroma molecules to activate receptors in the brain that block headache pain signals.

Cold Compress

Soak a washcloth in cold water, add 2-3 drops of diluted essential oil like peppermint or eucalyptus, and apply to the forehead for a cooling sensation. This constricts blood vessels and decreases inflammation.

Massage

Mix 6 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into the neck, shoulders, temples, and any other tight areas. This improves circulation, releases muscle tension, and provides analgesic effects.

Acupressure

Apply diluted oil to acupressure points on the body associated with headache relief. Massage the oil into the muscle for added benefit. Common points include the temples, between the eyebrows, and inner wrists.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils

Consider the following tips when selecting essential oils to treat your headaches:

• Use 100% pure, high-quality oils, not synthetic fragrances.
• Choose oils suited to your headache type cooling oils like peppermint work best for migraines while relaxing oils like lavender are ideal for tension headaches.
• If you have allergies, do a skin patch test before wide use. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Avoid phototoxic oils like lemon, lime, grapefruit, and orange before sun exposure.
• Blend oils to enhance benefits. For example, peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus together boost pain relief.

Safety Precautions

Essential oils are very concentrated and can cause reactions if not used properly. Follow these precautions:

• Always dilute oils before applying them to the skin.
• Perform a patch test on a small area of skin first to check for allergies.
• Avoid getting oils near the eyes, nose, and other mucous membranes.
• Women who are pregnant and children should use essential oils only under guidance from their healthcare provider.
• Do not ingest essential oils unless under the supervision of an aromatherapy professional.

When to See a Doctor

Essential oils can help provide headache relief in many cases. But its important to see a doctor if:

• Your headaches become more severe or frequent
• They interfere with your daily activities
• Essential oils do not provide adequate relief
• They are accompanied by blurred vision, fever, confusion, stiff neck, rash, weakness, or difficulty speaking
• You experience nausea, vomiting, seizures, loss of consciousness, or head injury

Seeking medical care will allow your doctor to diagnose the cause and check for any underlying conditions. For chronic headaches and migraines, prescription preventative medication may be needed alongside essential oils for optimal treatment.

The Takeaway

Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and rosemary provide natural relief for many types of headaches. Their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and relaxant properties can ease head pain and reduce associated symptoms when applied topically, inhaled, or used during massage.

Use 100% pure essential oils and proper dilutions. See a doctor if headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. For long-lasting relief of chronic migraines and tension headaches, essential oils work best paired with lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and prescription medication if needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.